Concrete from demolition sites is crushed, processed to remove metal such as reinforcing steel, and then screened to appropriate sizes. The crushed concrete is then re-used as aggregate for fill, road base or even new concrete – many of the same applications as conventional crushed stone.

There are two approaches to recycling concrete. One approach is to haul the concrete debris to a permanent recycling facility or quarry for crushing and screening. The alternative is to crush and screen the material at the demolition site. Using portable crushers on site reduces construction costs and eliminates the need to transport the material to and from a quarry or recycling facility. Transportation costs, energy use and wear and tear on roads and equipment are all reduced. The recycled aggregate is used as soon as it is processed.

Recycled concrete currently supplies about 5% of aggregate use. The bulk of recycled aggregates – about 68 % – is used as road base. The remainder is used for new concrete mixes (6%), asphalt (9 %) and fill.

Recycling concrete features both cost savings and environmental benefits:

Sizes and Designations
Sizes and designations vary by location due to governing agency requirements and/or application. Contact a sales representative for more information.

Base Course

Dense-graded base course refers to aggregate with a range of particle sizes – usually 1-1/2-inch and smaller - that produce a dense layer of stone with a minimum amount of voids. Primarily uses are for backfill, pavement and construction applications.